Costa Rica Land of Wonders
The cornucopia of fauna, exotic flora and physical beauty makes this one of the most attractive destinations in travel today
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow, via Miami or Madrid, to San José. Transfer to the El Rodeo Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2 City sightseeing includes the National Theatre, Plaza de la Cultura, National Museum and the University. In the afternoon visit Lankester Botanic Gardens and the Orosí Valley.
Day 3 An early morning start sees us on the panoramic route from San José to the Caribbean coast driving through the Braulio Carrillo National Park en route. Board a cruise launch at Caño Blanco dock and cruise the Tortuguero channels and lagoons to Pachira Lodge located in the heart of Tortuguero National Park.
Day 4 An excursion by launch for nature watching and the opportunity of a walk through the rainforest. We also visit a local village.
Day 5 Return by launch to Caño Blanco dock and drive through some spectacular scenery to the Hotel Tilajari in the lush San Carlos Valley for a two-night stay.
Day 6 Morning at leisure. An afternoon scenic drive to Lake Arenal and visit the live volcano that provides a breathtaking spectacle. There will also be a chance to bathe in the thermal springs at Ecotermales. Dinner at Ecotermales.
Day 7 Return to San José visiting the Poas Volcano and National Park en route. Overnight at the Hotel El Rodeo.
Day 8Fly via Miami or Madrid to London Heathrow.
Day 9 Arrive Heathrow in the early morning.
Extension - Pacific Coast
A six-night stay including breakfast at the 4-star Tango Mar Hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula (and a final night in San José). Situated on a 150-acre private beachfront reserve this small, deluxe hotel has delightful tropical gardens with an enormous richness of flora and fauna, two private beaches and a sign-posted nature trail with a 40-foot waterfall descending to a natural ocean pool. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, fishing, stables, 9-hole golf course, restaurant, bar and poolside snack-bar. The 18 large beachfront rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, coffee maker, mini-bar, safety deposit box and satellite TV.
